Djokovic reaches 8th French Open semifinal (updated)

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic made short effort against Tomas Berdych on Thursday to reach his eighth and sixth straight semifinal at Roland Garros.

The 29-year-old Serb, runner-up of the clay-court major for three times, overcame a five-minute rain delay and a third-set fightback from the seventh Czech to win 6-3, 7-5, 6-3 in two hours and six minutes.

It has been Djokovic's 30th Grand Slam semifinal, while only Roger Federer with 39 major semis and Jimmy Connors with 31 have participated in more in the Open era.

Also, the top seed's last four appearance over six years in a row is something that even nine-time champion Rafael Nadal had never achieved.

The process, however, went not as smoothly as the score board indicated for Djokovic, who threw his racquet to the ground after tied 40-40 in Berdych's serve but it slipped and almost hit a line umpire.

"I was lucky (that he moved and was not hurt)," said the Serb.

"I am aware that I have been lucky, and I apologized to people that have been in this particular situation with me and that could have been hurt by my racquet," he added.

Seeking his first French Open trophy to complete a career Grand Slam, Djokovic will next meet 22-year-old Austrian sensation Dominic Thiem who beat David Goffin 4-6, 7-6 (7), 6-4, 6-1 in a match between two quarterfinal debutants at Roland Garros.

"He's one of the leaders of the new generation. I'm sure he's very motivated to show himself and others that he deserves to be at the top and compete for biggest titles," said Djokovic. Endit